Elements of Podology and Equine Macalcia

- Historical recall of shoeing practice;
- Legislation, insurance, and ethical aspects;
- Description of farriery equipment
- Approach of the horse and restraint;
- Anatomy and physiology of the equine foot;
- Gaits, symmetry, posture and conformation;
- Shoes removal and hoof trimming;
- General aspects on the pathologies of the equine foot (podotrochlear pathology, laminitis, onychomycosis, bristles, keratomas, etc.) with particular reference to the farrier-podological aspects.
- Introduction of special and orthopaedic shoeing;
- Use of "alternative" materials (resins, glues, synthetic prostheses, etc.);

The student at the end of the course will have acquired the basics of legislation, ethics that characterize the profession of the farrier technician. The student will have assimilated the main technical notions of the equipment commonly used for balancing, shoeing of the horse both "hot" and "cold" and will know how to relate to the horse according to established ethical principles and in a safe way. The main notions of anatomy and physiology of the equine foot are provided, using both the main anatomy texts already in use in the veterinary medicine course and 3D graphic simulation programmes, manikins and anatomical preparations. The candidate will acquire a satisfactory technical/scientific vocabulary that will allow him to relate to farriers, veterinarians and technicians in the sector. Rudiments of orthopaedic physiopathology of the main digital affections of the horse will be provided, mentioning the therapies and the main orthopaedic shoes useful for their treatment/management, also using prosthetic material.